The New South Wales government has announced it will be supporting homegrown talent by incentivising the biggest international musical touring acts to add Australian artists to their bill when they perform at the state’s largest venues.
The NSW government will reduce the venue hire fee at Accor Stadium, Allianz Stadium, CommBank Stadium, McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle Entertainment Centre, the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), WIN Stadium and Entertainment Centre, and the Sydney Opera House in return for choosing a local act to open the show.
By doing this, the state has adopted ‘Michael’s Rule’, named after the late, renowned artist manager Michael McMartin, which aims to include Australian talent on stadium tours and bring them to a whole new audience.
“There were just three Australian albums in the ARIA top 100 charts in 2024. This represents a crisis for Australian music,” commented Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy, John Graham.
“The rise of streaming is flooding our market with American music and creating a roadblock for NSW artists trying to break through. By adopting Michael’s Rule we will get more local acts on to the big stage.
“While local shows are suffering, fans are still paying the big money for big international acts. Michael’s Rule will help our local artists capture that attention.
“We want Australian artists to benefit from international touring revenue so they can build their own careers and take our music to the world. Successful bands and artists at the top of the industry are an important part of the overall scene in NSW which supports 14,000 jobs and adds A$5.5bn (£2.7bn/€3.1bn/$3.6bn) to the state economy.”
Oasis will tour Australia in October and November and have asked Australia’s Ball Park Music to open for them, while Dua Lipa gave Kita Alexander invaluable exposure as her support act during her tour of Australia and New Zealand.
Supporting international touring acts has previously led to success for Australian artists. Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers are now opening for Pearl Jam on a US stadium tour after performing on the Australian tour. The Preatures, who supported Harry Styles, were able to book a 40-date regional tour as a result.
The incentive will see the NSW government reduce the venue hire fee by A$20,000 for each eligible show across the Venues NSW network, and a $5,000 reduction at Sydney Opera House.
To be eligible, at least one Australian artist must be included as a support act on an international artist’s headline tour. The Australian act must appear on the same stage as the international artist and be announced at the same time as the tour.
The incentive will be available for an initial two-year period.